Search Our Site

Vitiligo Procedures & Treatments in Indianapolis and Carmel

Turkle & Associates Plastic Surgery and Dermatology

Treatments and Procedures for Vitiligo Indianapolis and Carmel IN

In our practice, people with vitiligo are seen by Turkle & Associates board certified dermatologist, Dr. Matt Strausburg.

We invite you to continue reading for frequently asked questions and more information about vitiligo and how we can help.

What is Vitiligo?

People with vitiligo have white patches on their skin as a result of loss of their skin pigment (color). Any part of the body may be affected with vitiligo and usually both sides of the body are similarly affected by a few to many milky-white patches.

Common areas of the body we see vitiligo are the face, lips, hands, arms, legs and genital areas.

Who Gets Vitiligo?

Vitiligo affects one or two of every 100 people. About half the people who develop it do so before the age of 20; about one-fifth have a family member with this condition. Most people with vitiligo are in good general health.

Vitiligo Treatments and Procedures

The following are the vitiligo treatments and procedures we can perform, as well as advice on how to make vitiligo less noticeable.

Sun Avoidance — In fair-skinned individuals, avoiding tanning of normal skin can make areas of vitiligo almost unnoticeable.
Keep in mind the white skin of vitiligo has no natural protection from sun so these areas are very easily sunburned. A sunscreen with a SPF of 30 should be used on all areas of vitiligo not covered by clothing. Avoid the sun when it is most intense to avoid burns.

Makeup, Skin Dyes or Self Tanning Products — Disguising vitiligo with make-up, self-tanning compounds or dyes is a safe, easy way to make it less noticeable. Waterproof cosmetics to match almost all skin colors are available at many large department stores. Stains that dye the skin can be used to dye the white patches to more closely match normal skin color. These stains gradually wear off. Self-tanning compounds contain a chemical called dihydroxyacetone that does not need melanocytes to make the skin a tan color. The color from self-tanning creams also slowly wears off. None of these change the disease, but they can improve appearance.

Tattooing — Micropigmentation tattooing of vitiligo in small areas may be helpful.

If the advice or vitiligo treatments above are not satisfactory, Dr Strausburg may recommend the following treatments or procedures that can be aimed at returning normal pigment (repigmentation) or destroying remaining pigment (depigmentation). None of the repigmentation treatment methods are total, permanent cures for vitiligo.

Topical Corticosteroids — Creams containing corticosteroid compounds can be effective in returning pigment to small areas of vitiligo. These can be used along with other treatments. These agents can thin the skin or even cause stretch marks in certain areas. They should be used under your dermatologist’s care.

Repigmentation Therapy — PUVA is a form of repigmentation therapy where a type of medication known as psoralen is given. This chemical makes the skin very sensitive to light. Then the skin is treated with a special type of ultraviolet light call UVA. Special medical equipment is needed for this treatment.

Sometimes, when vitiligo is very limited, psoralens can be applied to the skin before UVA treatments. Usually, however, psoralens are given in pill form. Treatment with PUVA has a 50-70% chance of returning color on the face, trunk, and upper arms and upper legs. Hands and feet respond very poorly. Usually at least a year of twice weekly treatments are required. PUVA must be given under very close supervision by your dermatologist. Side effects of PUVA include sunburn-type reactions. When used long-term, freckling of the skin may result and there is an increased risk of skin cancer.

Because psoralens also make the eyes more sensitive to light, UVA blocking eyeglasses must be worn from the time of exposure to psoralen until sunset that day. This eye protection is needed to prevent an increased risk of cataracts. PUVA is not usually used in children under the age of 12, in pregnant or breast feeding women or in individuals with certain medical conditions.

Skin Grafting — Transfer of skin from normal to white areas is a treatment available only in certain areas of the country and is useful for only a small group of vitiligo patients. It does not generally result in total return of pigment in treated areas.

Depigmentation Therapy — For some patients with severe involvement, the most practical treatment for vitiligo is to remove remaining pigment from normal skin and make the whole body an even white color. This is done with a chemical called monobenzylether of hydroquinone. This therapy takes about a year to complete. The pigment removal is permanent.

Treatment of Vitiligo in Children

Aggressive treatment is generally not used in children. Sunscreen and cover-up measures are usually the best treatments. Topical corticosteroids can also be used, but must be monitored. PUVA is usually not recommended until after age 12, and then the risks and benefits of this treatment must be carefully weighed.

Is Vitiligo Curable?

Research is ongoing in vitiligo and it is hoped that new treatments will be developed. At this time, the exact cause of vitiligo is not known and although treatment is available, there is no single cure.

After an examination, Dr. Strausburg will advise the best vitiligo procedure or treatment for you.

What Causes Vitiligo?

Melanin, the pigment that determines color of skin, hair, and eyes, is produced in cells called melanocytes. If these cells die or cannot form melanin, the skin becomes lighter or completely white. Vitiligo is the result of the disappearance of the skin’s melanocytes. No one knows why this happens for sure.

How Does Vitiligo Develop?

The course and severity of pigment loss differ with each person. Light-skinned people usually notice the contrast between areas of vitiligo and suntanned skin in the summer. Year round, vitiligo is more obvious on people with darker skin. Individuals with severe cases can lose pigment virtually everywhere. There is no way to predict how much pigment an individual will lose.

Typical vitiligo shows areas of milky-white skin. However, the degree of pigment loss can vary within each vitiligo patch. There may be different shades of pigment in a patch or a border of darker skin may circle an area of light skin.

Vitiligo often begins with a rapid loss of pigment. This may continue until, for unknown reasons, the process stops. Cycles of pigment loss, followed by times where the pigment doesn’t change, may continue indefinitely.

It is rare for skin pigment in vitiligo patients to return on its own. Some people who believe they no longer have vitiligo actually have lost all their pigment and no longer have patches of contrasting skin color. While their skin is all one color, they still have vitiligo.

Do You Take Insurance For Vitiligo Treatment?

Yes, we do take insurance for vitiligo treatment. We suggest you contact your plan administrator to determine if we participate with your insurance plan.

Contact Us About Vitiligo

If you have more questions about vitiligo and would like further information, or if you are ready to schedule an appointment, contact Turkle & Associates Plastic Surgery and Dermatology by clicking here for our online quick-contact email form or feel free to call us at 317-848-0001.

To be advised of special prices, sale events and other updates, you can click here to sign up for our monthly newsletter.

*Fees are approximate only and subject to physical examination and consultation. We do try to keep the fees on our website up to date, however be advised fees are subject to change without notice. Please feel free to inquire about any price changes.

Turkle & Associates Plastic Surgery and Dermatologys’ video content is for informational and educational purposes only. Viewing of these videos should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. As with any health concern, always seek a consultation regarding a medical condition. Any questions concerning the content of these videos may be directed to Turkle & Associates Plastic Surgery and Dermatology at drturkle@turklemd.com or 317-848-0001.

Vitiligo was last modified: February 16th, 2018 by admin

Contact Us

Email me news and special offersFor more special offers, add me to the Turkle VIP Text Group